October 2026
Sat10oktober(Oct 10)07:00Sat21Nov(Nov 21)00:00
Info
Vernissage Saturday 10 October at 11.00-18.00
> To the program
After ten years, it ends Den tänkande handen (The Thinking Hand) with an extensive anniversary exhibition in the three large halls of the Academy of Fine Arts. The 30 fellows who received the award during the years 2017–2026 will gather here, as a summary of the project's breadth, development and significance.
For a decade, Den tänkande handen (The Thinking Hand) has been a competition and exhibition for young cartoonists active in art, architecture, comics, animation, fashion, design, illustration and game development. Over the years, the initiative has elevated drawing as both a technique and an artistic expression, and demonstrated the diversity of free creation.
The project is a collaboration between the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts and the Royal Court, with the goal of highlighting the central role of drawing within contemporary visual practices.
The scholarship competition and exhibition have been made possible through support from Elisabeth and Gustaf Douglas, via the scholarship fund established in 2016 in connection with HM the King's 70th birthday.
By Den tänkande handen (The Thinking Hand) HM the King has wished to encourage young artists to explore the possibilities of drawing – in a spirit that ties in with a tradition initiated by his grandfather, Gustaf VI Adolf.
Program in connection with the exhibition
Live drawing
During the opening of Den tänkande handen (The Thinking Hand) and on another occasion, drawing, performance and music meet in two live performances by Emelie Markgren and musicians Sebastian Öberg and Isak Hedtjärn. Read more under > In progress
Sketch with Stina Wollter
On three occasions, artist and educator Stina Wollter leads a sketching session for a group of 30 people. With over 35 years of experience teaching model painting and sketching, Stina works closely with the model and focuses on giving the participants new tools, inspiration and the joy of creation. Read more under > In progress
Gustaf VI Adolf's drawing collection
Presentation and unpacking of: Alexander Holm, Curator at the Royal Household Chamber and Svante H. Tirén, Curator, Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
Gustaf VI Adolf had a genuine interest in the new and a curiosity about the young generation of artists. He systematically collected drawings and graphics that were at the forefront year after year. Now is a rare opportunity to get up close to Gustaf VI Adolf's collection of drawings. > Read more
The mind and the hand
In today's digital everyday life, we have almost stopped using our hands to create, which can affect our health. Lecture by Lotta Dinäss on the neuroscience behind the interaction of the hand and the brain followed by a workshop where drawing is the tool. > Read more
Lost Action
Dance performance on two occasions in the exhibition. In the meeting between dance, sculptural moments, drawings and sound composition, the dancers Louise Perming and Anna Fitoussi meet in a dialogue with each other and with the various drawings from Den tänkande handen (The Thinking Hand).
Read more below > In progress
Scholarship recipients
2026
Jacob Adler
Vilgot Björkman
Nicole Khadivi
2025
Rebecca Tollens
Isaac Heldt
Nils Ekman
2024
Rakel Bergman Froberg
Olivia Pettersson Fleur
Olle Witt
2023
William Jernberg
Lina Göhle
Joseph Alexanderson
2022
Simon Persson
Kayo Mpoyi
Gabriel Gabriel Garble
2021
Hanna Holmgren
Hannah Clarkson
Titus Boguslaw
2020
Thomas Lundgren
Kristin Karlsson
Felix Vasquez Aguilera
2019
Sophie Westerlind
Emelie Markgren
Muhammad Ali
2018
Rut Karin Zettergren
André Nordstrom
Susan Whitlow
2017
Roger Smeby
Love Dahlstedt
Cedric Jacques Yu
